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The battle of the Alamo comes to mind when you think of San Antonio, but that famous episode was one of many in the city's past. You can visit San Antonio on your own with a history book in hand, or you can take a guided walking tour that highlights the rich mix of cultures, traditions and events. If you take a tour, you can choose the type you want, from a folklore perspective to a historical narrative.

Ghosts &amp; Legends of San Antonio

The title of this 90-minute tour sounds scary, but guide Randy Felts keeps all his stories "PG." Adults and children age 10 and older enjoy the nighttime tour that highlights the folklore of San Antonio. Felts walks you through the downtown area, telling stories such as the legend of La Llorona who threw her children--and then herself--into the river. He warns tourists not to get too close to the water, because the wailing woman's ghost might pull them in. A longtime student of folk stories, Felts likes to emphasize history, culture and drama rather than ghost hunting. As of 2010, tours cost $18 for adults; reservations required.

Ghosts &amp; Legends of San AntonioTours start at 100 Alamo Plaza (south end near the gazebo)San Antonio, TX 78205210-215-2172silverghosttours.com

San Antonio Walks

The guides for San Antonio Walks realize the story of the Alamo is important, but they also emphasize other key events in the city's history. When you take this two-hour tour, you learn about elements such as colonialism, the famous Catholic missions, and the mix of European and Native American cultures. The tour company feels this broader view fosters a better understanding of the area and of the Alamo itself. As of 2010, San Antonio Walks tours cost $12 for adults; reservations required.

San Antonio WalksTours start across from the entrance to the Alamo302 Alamo PlazaSan Antonio, TX 78205888-368-6874sanantoniowalks.com

King William Neighborhood Tour

Take the King William Neighborhood Tour for a look at a different part of San Antonio. This 1.5-hour guided walk goes through an area founded by prosperous German families following the Civil War. You'll be able to gather historical knowledge, peek at gardens and view architecture reflecting everything from Greek revival to Victorian influences. Driving tours aren't allowed--this tour meets near the Alamo and takes participants to the area by trolley. In 2010, tours cost $15 for adults; reservations required. If you enjoy the King William tour, you also can take a tour of San Antonio missions offered by the same company.

King William Neighborhood TourTours start from the corner at Ripley's Believe It or Not307 Alamo PlazaSan Antonio, TX 78205210-336-7831missiontrailtours.com

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About the Author

Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer in Oregon. She was a garden editor at "The San Francisco Chronicle" and she currently specializes in travel and active lifestyle topics like golf and fitness. She received a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a Knight Foundation Fellow.

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